TheSarge, your description of the formation of cults resonates. I would add that pretty much every single generation since biblical times believed they were in the "End Times", and we ain't seen nuthin yet. (And won't...either)
Add to that the text we recognize as The Holy Scriptures was slowly assembled over a period of a couple hundred years by a group of theocrat politicians who had a very specific aim. They recognized that there was a new kid on the block with the potential of political and religious exploitation and wanted to be sure to manipulate that group toward their own best interests. Over a period of two thousand years or so, one would have to say they've done a pretty good job.
The pious continue to wait for an event that never comes, offer up hard-earned money to people who don't deserve it, and believe in miracles no one sees except those doing the fleecing. But at least we can comfort ourselves knowing that Gary has the magical talent of being able to hear the pearls that Marilyn sees fit to share with the faithful from the Great Beyond.
Yikes! I must have woken up in a cranky mood.
Add to that the text we recognize as The Holy Scriptures was slowly assembled over a period of a couple hundred years by a group of theocrat politicians who had a very specific aim. They recognized that there was a new kid on the block with the potential of political and religious exploitation and wanted to be sure to manipulate that group toward their own best interests. Over a period of two thousand years or so, one would have to say they've done a pretty good job.
The pious continue to wait for an event that never comes, offer up hard-earned money to people who don't deserve it, and believe in miracles no one sees except those doing the fleecing. But at least we can comfort ourselves knowing that Gary has the magical talent of being able to hear the pearls that Marilyn sees fit to share with the faithful from the Great Beyond.
Yikes! I must have woken up in a cranky mood.